“Heavenly things should come first” was the phrase most frequently repeated by those who gave speeches, describing it as the legacy left to them by the late Rev. Cariton Ngendakumana, who served as a pastor in the Free Baptist Church of Burundi (Église Baptiste Libre du Burundi), specifically leading the local congregation of EBLB Matongo in Kayanza.
This took place during a memorial gathering held to honor his life, in line with Burundian tradition where such a day is considered a final celebration for the deceased. The event was held in Kayanza, Rev. Cariton’s birthplace, on Saturday, July 26, 2025.
The ceremonies began with the laying of wreaths at his grave, which is located in Kayanza at the burial site for ministers of the Free Baptist Church of Burundi. The commemoration then continued at the Matongo church he once led.
Standing at the altar—exactly where his father used to preach—Gabriel Rufyiri, his eldest son and family representative, shared that each time he stands in that place, he is reminded of his father’s deep commitment to prayer, for both the church and the nation, with sincerity and without pretense.
He said, “It reminds me that if all of us served without hypocrisy, this country would witness real transformation. My father was a true example.”
He continued, “The problem is that many of us pretend to be serving God, but in truth, we’re just putting on a show.”
The celebration proceeded at the family home, where nearly 500 people gathered—coming from various regions across the country and even from abroad—to support and honor the family.
A Pastor who focused only on heavenly things
If there is a perfect example of a pastor who understood and lived out Colossians 3:2 (“Set your minds on things above, not on earthly things”), it would be Rev. Cariton Ngendakumana. He taught and modeled the principle of focusing on the eternal, rather than the temporary. As shared by many during the event, his life was a true reflection of that Scripture.
According to his family, three things could describe his life but there is one which the family will always remember about him: Focusing only heavenly things.
“Heavenly things should come first. Earthly houses are not what people should strive for — instead, they should strive to build homes in heaven.” —It was wrote on the banner stood in the midst of the congregation, during the remembering ceremony.
In addition, his family confirm that he deeply loved God.
“This was evident in his long times of prayer and his love for singing many worship songs. What he lived for in God, he made it his daily life. His love for God and His Word led him to become a servant of the Lord. He passed away as a servant of God — Reverend Pastor in the Free Baptist Church of Burundi.” Said his family.
Also, Rev Paul Nzitakuze, the Legal Representative of the Free Baptist Church of Burundi witnesses that Cariton was a Lord’s servant.
He said :
“Truly, God knows how to chose His servants, Cariton was a true servant of God, and we are all witnesses to that. We will always recognize that Cariton has once sold a cow in order to rebuild a church that had collapsed.”
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A pastor who drew closer to those who served God
His ancient church members who worshiped in his congregation testify Rev Cariton as a true servant leader. They say that what they can learn from him is always to be eager to serve God, and not be carried away by worldly things.
“He raised me. I worked for him, I lived in his home. If I planned not to attend the Sunday service at his church, he would confront me. I used to take care of his cows. If I missed a prayer service, he’d tell me, ‘Leave the cows and go to church.’ He left me with a deep love for God’s work. Now, I never miss a service; I’m even a singer in the choir, and I love it just like he did.” testifies Samuel Bigirimana
Mbonabuca Simeon who is actually a singer and preacher at a church Rev Cariton used to lead, also testifies as follow:
“He was an elder who loved me deeply. If he saw that you loved God’s work, he would care for you and support you. When you arrived at his home, he would welcome you warmly, offer you milk, even if his wife wasn’t home.”
He added :
“He would give you so much milk that you couldn’t finish it. There were no two weeks that went by without him giving me money to buy tea in Bukiranzuki. In other instances, he would stop others from serving guests at church and say, ‘Let me serve them myself. This shows that he understood the economic lives of his church members. He was a man who respected God. He taught about prayer and would invite others for overnight prayer sessions. He left me with a lasting habit of praying regularly and faithfully. We love him. We always imitate the way he danced to choirs during church services.”
The Baptist Chronicle has also drew closer to his ex co-worker in ministry David Haragakiza. He said :
“Cariton’s love was shown through his care for everyone’s well-being, in hosting and escorting guests. He loved God’s work more than his own affairs. He preached the Gospel. He was committed to prayer activities: Even in his old age, he outdid the young in prayer. He organized overnight prayers.”
Haragakiza also said that Cariton’s acts of kindness did not being shown only on his fellow church member, but also in the community. Samuel Bigirimana testifies that in the community, Rev Cariton lived in peace with people and cared for the hungry. He also visited the sick and prayed for them even in his old age.
About Cariton Ngendakumana
Rev Pastor Cariton Ngendakumana was ordained as a pastor, in 2018, in Free Baptist Church of Burundi. He was appointed by the Bishop to lead the Matongo Parish the same year. In 2018, Pastor Cariton made a significant contribution to the writing of the book “I Desire to Be a Good Pastor.”
Cariton was known for preaching the Gospel. Even in his old age—when others thought he should retire—he continued to preach, because he knew with full confidence that there are homes in heaven, and that all who serve faithfully will enter them. (John 14:1-6).
As a servant of heaven, He lived for heaven !
